In a move aimed at improving services for veterans, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is now accepting additional documentation for veterans to obtain a veteran designation on their state-issued driver licenses.
Veterans can now use a current Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion membership card, in good standing, to receive the designation. The MVD will also continue to accept DD Form 214 or a letter from Veterans Affairs (VA) for the same purpose.
“Montana veterans are proud of their service and want to showcase that service on their driver license. They shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary hoops to do so,” said Laurie Bakri, MVD Administrator. “This is a way for MVD to support those who defended our freedoms and relieve a headache they were facing.”
The change has been welcomed by veteran organizations in Montana. Jeff Schepp, State Adjutant and Quartermaster for the VFW of Montana, highlighted how the new policy would help older veterans who may no longer have access to their DD Form 214. “The Department of Montana VFW and its 7,300 members are very happy that the Montana Motor Vehicle Division is going to make it much easier to get special recognition on their driver license by showing a current VFW ID card,” Schepp said.
Ken Simon, American Legion Department Commander, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing veterans’ contributions. “Montana’s veterans have made significant contributions to our military, nation, and local communities. Making it easier to obtain the veteran designation on their driver license allows veterans to display the same pride and honor they served their country with,” Simon said.
The veteran designation provides a visible acknowledgment of military service and is an option many veterans take pride in displaying. This policy change is seen as a meaningful way to honor their service and streamline the process for veterans across the state.
